Reversal of 16% rental tax brings relief to retail sector

Speakers at a seminar said that the reversal of the 16% tax on rental properties in Punjab has provided major relief to the country's retail community and reflected the success of collective efforts by trade bodies. They emphasised that such reforms have helped stabilise retail operations and created breathing space for organised businesses struggling under economic pressure. They were addressing the 5th Pakistan Future of Retail Business Summit & Expo 2025 on Thursday, where leading figures from Pakistan's retail, e-commerce, and logistics industries gathered to discuss challenges, opportunities, and the future direction of the retail economy. Patron-in-chief of the Chainstore Association of Pakistan (CAP), Rana Tariq Mehboob, in his address, outlined CAP's key achievements in recent years and appreciated the collective strength shown by retail leaders across the country. He said the reversal of the 16% tax on rental properties was a milestone that relieved thousands of retail outlets from unnecessary financial burden.